William Kirlin

William H. "Bill" Kirlin
Brevard - William H."Bill" Kirlin, 82, died Thursday, February 3, 2011 at The Oaks of Brevard

He was a son of the late Clyde Bernard and Beatrice Anna Staples Kirlin. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Clyde B. Kirlin, Jr.

Mr Kirlin graduated from Temple University in 1950, with a B.S. in business administration. He then served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953. Most of his professional career was spent as a production manager with RCA's government/commercial division, where his proudest accomplishment was supplying all of the communications equipment for the Apollo space missions.

Bill was a member of the Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church. He was an avid fisherman and a former president of the Connestee Fishing Club. He also volunteered in many ways for the Transylvania County Sheriff's Department, D.A.R.E., Sharing House, and the Brevard College Alumni Office. A ham radio operator from the 1950's onward, Bill pursued this hobby both as a social networking outlet and as a means of assisting communities during emergency situations. He enjoyed playing bocce and won a gold medal at the 2009 "Land of the Waterfalls" senior games. While living in New Jersey, Bill tended a hillside of over 100 bountiful blueberry bushes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Eleanor Stutz Kirlin; two sons, George B. Kirlin (Sheila) of McLean, VA, and David R. Kirlin(Nan) of Gastonia, NC, a daughter; Nancy K. Gibbons(Rick) of Chapin, SC, and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 11:00am at the Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Keith Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Gabriel Episcopal Cemetery in Douglassville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transylvania Regional Hospital, 260 Hospital Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 or to Sharing House, PO Box 958, Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a condolence for the Kirlin family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.